KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Law Society (SLS) is backing initiatives to modernise Malaysian laws in response to technological advancements, says its president Mohamed Nazim Maduarin.
"As Sabah embarks on a journey towards a digital economy, particularly in rural areas, the push for legal change is vital," he said on Sunday (Oct 13).
He was responding to the call by Chief Justice of Malaysia Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat's for the country's legal framework to be updated due to the swift pace of technological advancements.
Tengku Maimun had mentioned the ethical and cybersecurity concerns caused by the insufficient regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and other new technologies.
Mohamed said the SLS agrees with the Chief Justice and is prepared to work with relevant entities to aid in crafting and applying these necessary legal updates.
He added that with the expansion of digital services in less accessible regions, legal protections for users against data breaches, cyber fraud, and other potential abuses are becoming increasingly important.
"The shift to digital in Sabah shows why our laws must evolve as technology does. Without updated legal protections, rural communities may be exposed to new risks," he said.
Mohamed also said that legal reforms are imperative not only for technology regulation but to ensure equality in the benefits from digital advances.
"Our legal system must support and anticipate potential issues as we move towards a more digitally connected future," he added.
Updating and modernising laws is key to protecting people and ensuring Sabah's digital economy thrives in a sustainable and inclusive manner, he said.
The SLS is dedicated to offering its expertise to ensure that Sabah's legal system remains resilient and adaptable in the face of rapid changes, he said.
"A proactive approach to legal reform, which embraces innovation and responsibility, will position Sabah and Malaysia as digital governance leaders, all the while protecting the rights and interests of citizens," Mohamed added.
